Since its launch in 2018, TikTok has quickly gained popularity, especially among teenagers. According to a 2022 study of American teens aged 13-17, 67% reported using the platform, with 16% using it almost constantly.

Besides communicating with peers, teens discover and create content on TikTok in an effort to better understand their mental health. Due to insufficient access to mental health care, more young people are turning to TikTok to self-diagnose conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and dissociative identity disorder.

Content related to mental health is increasingly common on TikTok. Here’s what parents need to know and watch out for, along with some helpful advice on how to support their child in seeking help beyond the digital space.

Why Do Teens Self-Diagnose Using TikTok?

Experts agree that the trend of teens turning to TikTok to learn about mental illnesses has both positive and negative aspects. "Becoming aware that they might have these mental health issues is helpful. Self-diagnosis can be useful to some extent. But there’s also a risk they might misdiagnose themselves," says school psychologist Dr. Nicole Kern.

According to psychiatrist Dr. Jesse Gold, social media algorithms contribute to young people diagnosing themselves with potential mental health disorders. "It’s like a need for validation," explains Dr. Gold. "When they keep seeing more and more videos confirming something is true, it’s logical to conclude that the platform wouldn’t show them that content if they didn’t have the condition. During puberty, teenagers are discovering and exploring themselves. Their desire to fit in socially can also lead to self-diagnosis. However, self-diagnosis might only provide a label—it doesn’t teach how mental health plays a role in their lives."

How Accurate Are Diagnoses on TikTok?

It’s important for both teens and parents to know that self-diagnosing based on social media content is not reliable. A proper diagnosis involves many more aspects than can be covered in a short online video. Specialists note that many young people trust TikTok clips and assign themselves diagnoses like ADHD. The truth is that only a professional can make such diagnoses, and similar symptoms can result from various causes since many mental health issues overlap. Proper diagnosis requires looking at the full picture—focusing only on one issue and ignoring others can cause prolonged struggles. Since TikTok and other social media do not explain this complexity, it’s easy for teens to misdiagnose themselves.

What Are the Risks of Self-Diagnosing on TikTok?

Mental health information on TikTok is often incomplete, and teens may not fully understand what a condition really entails. This is why attempts at self-diagnosis are not helpful. It’s advisable to talk to a professional who has the knowledge and experience to provide the right tools to address specific mental health needs. However, teens often place too much trust in online content and dismiss the option of consulting a specialist.

What to Do If Your Teen Self-Diagnoses

Dr. Gold advises parents to respond supportively if their teen comes to them with a self-diagnosed mental health condition.

Here are some ways to start a conversation with your child about their self-diagnosis:

  • "I’m really glad you’re interested in understanding yourself."

  • "Let’s watch these videos together and talk about them."

  • "What part of this video stood out to you?"

  • "Why do you think that is?"

  • "Is there anything you still have questions about?"

"Be curious, not dismissive or judgmental," adds Dr. Gold. "Try to be open and even watch some of the videos with them. Be on their team, support them, and praise them for caring about themselves and wanting to learn more."

This supportive approach allows you to talk about whether your child might consider seeing a psychologist and to help them realize that their self-diagnosis might not be entirely accurate. "Self-diagnosis can indicate insecurities, self-esteem issues, or challenges your teen faces at school that they might not otherwise share," explains Dr. Gold. "By being curious, you can learn a lot about your child."